Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland’s employment permits system is managed by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment through the operation of the Critical Skills (CSOL) and Ineligible Occupations Lists (IOL) which track current skills shortages and surpluses in Ireland and the EEA.

Occupations on the CSOL include those in IT, Finance and Medical, which are highly skilled professional occupations experiencing labour or skill shortages and which are required for the proper functioning of the Irish economy. Occupations included on the IOL are those in respect of which evidence suggests there are Irish/EEA workers available and therefore an employment permit shall not be granted in Ireland.

While teaching is not currently on either list, it should be noted the number of newly qualified teachers registered annually with the Teaching Council has increased in recent years. More than 3,700 newly qualified teachers registered in 2022 and the number of registrants on the Teaching Council's register is now 119,000, an increase of 25% since 2017.

In order to maintain the relevance of these lists, and to ensure that the system is aligned with current labour market intelligence, there are periodic evidence-based reviews involving a public/stakeholder consultation. The lists are also informed by the views of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) and the Skills and the Labour Market Research Unit (SLMRU). Consideration is also taken of the views of the relevant policy departments and the Economic Migration Interdepartmental Group, chaired by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment continues to keep the employment permits system under review in light of changing labour market circumstances. Earlier this year Minister Richmond, Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, launched the opening of a new public consultation phase to review the lists with submissions invited up to the closing date of 18th August. Submissions received are currently being considered with recommendations for approval expected in November.

It is anticipated that a further evidence-based review of the critical skills list will be launched; the Department will consider submitting a response to any future stakeholder consultation.